From Fox News · Michael Sinkewicz · · 1m
Coast Guard Recruits Largest Class in 40 Years
U.S. Coast Guard recruits largest class in nearly 40 years, beats goals for third straight year.
In brief
U.S. Coast Guard recruits largest class in nearly 40 years, beats goals for third straight year. The U.S. Coast Guard recruited 5,445 active-duty members in fiscal year 2026, its largest class in nearly four decades, surpassing recruiting goals for the third consecutive year. Originally reported by Fox News.
Coast Guard Recruits Largest Class
The U.S. Coast Guard recruited its largest enlisted class in nearly four decades during fiscal year 2026.
Exceeds Recruiting Goals
The service surpassed its recruiting goals for the third consecutive year, enrolling 5,445 active-duty members.
Record Enrollment Numbers
Enlistments rose from 4,422 in 2024 to 5,204 in 2025 and 5,445 in fiscal year 2026.
Commissioning Officers
The Coast Guard commissioned 346 active-duty officers, the second-highest total in its history.
Homeland Security Statement
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin called the numbers a sign of strong national service.
New Training Facilities
The Coast Guard awarded a $400 million contract to modernize Training Center Cape May in New Jersey.
The key point
The U.S. Coast Guard recruited 5,445 active-duty members in fiscal year 2026, its largest class in nearly four decades, surpassing recruiting goals for the third consecutive year.
